Bathing Poem

BATHING
by Posey Bowling Tinnin
(remembering Grandma Josephine Angel Bowling)

“Too much bathing weakens you”, is what my Grandma said.
Like the kids, I had a problem getting that into my head.

But thinking of my childhood – the way things were done back then,
I began to understand, there was no regular bathing room or cozy den

No nice hot water heater, no pipes beneath the floor.
It was carry in the hods of coal, to make the cook stove roar.

Bring in the big old copper boiler, and lift it on the stove,
Heat half the water, you’ve pumped and carried in,

You want to smell sweet as a rose.

Next comes the galvanized tub,
Roll it right in the kitchen door,
Make sure it’s rinsed out and
Set it on the floor.

Now for a bar of the mildest soap
(with some melted down to wash the hair)
Tell everyone to stay right out!
The doors locked with propped-up chairs.

Make sure the shades are all pulled down and
Clean clothes are lying near
Got the hair-rinsing water in the pitcher?
You’re ready – in you go, my dear.

You’re clean and dressed!!
You think you’re through?
It all has to be reversed.
Out goes the water, pail by pail
(of all jobs, this is the worst)

See all that water that you’ve slopped?
Now’s a good time to get this floor mopped.
Roll up the shades, unlock the doors
Let family in. Then, tell me, dear, as you start to reel,
Tell me now, how do you feel?